DENISE EL-KASSIS
Laurel,MD
Summary
Communications and student services professional experienced in marketing, admissions counseling, academic advising, and event coordination. Strong background in content creation, social media strategy, and client engagement. Dedicated to enhancing communication and community involvement, and motivated to apply these skills within the sports field to support storytelling, fan engagement, and organizational growth.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Marketing & Communications Assistant
Leas Flower Shop
Fulton, MD
10.2024 - Current
- Create, schedule, and publish engaging content for social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Pinterest, etc.).
- Photograph floral arrangements, events, and daily shop activities for marketing and branding use.
- Develop promotional materials such as digital ads, newsletters, and other marketing content.
- Support inventory updates and maintain accurate product information online.
- Assist with seasonal campaigns, holiday promotions, and year-round marketing initiatives.
- Monitor online reviews and maintain positive customer relations across digital platforms.
- Assist in writing and updating branded communication featured on the website and social media pages.
- Support community outreach efforts, including collaborations with local businesses, event organizers, and community partners.
Admissions Counselor Bootcamp
2U
Lanham, MD
05.2023 - 08.2024
- Interviewed six prospective students daily, guiding them into Cyber Security Bootcamp programs.
- Referred students to programs based on academic interests and career goals, ensuring best-fit placements.
- Guided enrolled students through admissions, ensuring smooth transitions and positive experiences.
- Worked with the office manager to address needs and resolve issues, improving office efficiency.
- Scheduled client appointments, supporting office staff and optimizing daily schedules.
- Collaborated with the admissions team to streamline processes, enhancing efficiency and student onboarding.
Undergraduate Academic Advisor
Capitol Technology University
Laurel, MD
06.2022 - 04.2023
- Guided students on academic programs, course selection, and career paths based on their goals.
- Assisted students in creating academic plans aligned with career aspirations and graduation requirements.
- Referred students to campus resources like tutoring, counseling, and career services for academic support.
- Monitored students' academic progress, addressing challenges and concerns as needed.
- Collaborated with faculty and staff to develop initiatives improving student retention and success.
Graduate Assistant
UNI Digital Media Hub
Cedar Falls, IA
08.2019 - 05.2021
- Trained and supervised 7 student staff, improving their media production skills and project outcomes.
- Managed daily operations, ensuring smooth workflow and efficient resource use.
- Developed new training criteria, enhancing student performance and productivity.
- Led bi-weekly meetings, fostering collaboration and team cohesion.
- Educated students on media production, resulting in higher-quality projects.
Honorary Sideline Coach Coordinator
UNI Office of Student Athlete Development
Cedar Falls, IA
08.2017 - 12.2020
- Developed assessment tools and managed data in Excel, improving feedback accuracy and record-keeping.
- Coordinated between faculty, advisors, and athletes, ensuring seamless communication and collaboration.
- Executed the Honorary Coach Sideline Program, enhancing faculty appreciation and engagement.
- Planned and coordinated program activities during home games, ensuring smooth execution.
Event Coordinator
The Avacentre
Iowa City, IA
05.2018 - 12.2019
- Consulted clients to customize event packages, ensuring unique and personalized solutions.
- Coordinated event execution, managing staff and welcoming guests for seamless experiences.
- Handled venue reservations, scheduled meetings, and prepared rooms, ensuring readiness.
Academic Advisor / Social Media Coordinator
Hawkeye Community College
Cedar Falls, IA
03.2018 - 12.2019
- Advised student-athletes on academic plans, significantly boosting course completion rates.
- Managed game day social media, greatly enhancing engagement and visibility.
- Organized athletic banquets, ensuring smooth execution and positive attendee feedback.
- Collaborated with coaches to implement student-athlete recognition programs, fostering motivation.
Communique Sports Editor
Kirkwood Community College
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
01.2015 - 05.2017
- Reviewed submissions for adherence to style guidelines and publication standards.
- Coordinated with photographers and graphic designers for visual content.
- Worked closely with graphic designers to create visually appealing layouts for the sports section pages.
- Researched topics related to team standings, player statistics, game highlights.
- Conducted interviews with student-athletes and coaching staff to gather insights for feature stories, game recaps, and profile pieces.
Education
Master of Arts - Postsecondary Education: Student Affairs
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA05.2021
Bachelor of Arts - Communication Studies and Global Studies (Dual Major)
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA05.2019
Associates of Arts -
Kirkwood Community College
Cedar Rapids, IA05.2017
Skills
- Mentorship
- Event coordination
- Social media management
- Communications strategy
- Internal communications
- Creative direction
- Customer engagement
- Problem-solving aptitude
- Attention to detail
Languages
Arabic, Proficient
Timeline
Marketing & Communications Assistant
Leas Flower Shop
10.2024 - Current
Admissions Counselor Bootcamp
2U
05.2023 - 08.2024
Undergraduate Academic Advisor
Capitol Technology University
06.2022 - 04.2023
Graduate Assistant
UNI Digital Media Hub
08.2019 - 05.2021
Event Coordinator
The Avacentre
05.2018 - 12.2019
Academic Advisor / Social Media Coordinator
Hawkeye Community College
03.2018 - 12.2019
Honorary Sideline Coach Coordinator
UNI Office of Student Athlete Development
08.2017 - 12.2020
Communique Sports Editor
Kirkwood Community College
01.2015 - 05.2017
Master of Arts - Postsecondary Education: Student Affairs
University of Northern Iowa
Bachelor of Arts - Communication Studies and Global Studies (Dual Major)
University of Northern Iowa
Associates of Arts -
Kirkwood Community College